Nevada Senate Passes Bill To Expand School Breakfast

(AP) - Nevada senators have passed a bill that would require more schools to serve breakfast after classes begin.

SB503 passed in a 17-2 vote on Thursday. The measure would require breakfast be served in schools where 70 percent of students or more are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

First lady Kathleen Sandoval testified in favor of the bill, saying a consistent breakfast will help students concentrate on their classes rather than their hunger.

State officials say 103 elementary schools now serve breakfast, but the bill could add another 120 to the program.

The governor's budget calls for $2 million in state money so schools can start the program, but state agriculture officials say most of the nearly $16 million annual cost of serving breakfast would be covered by federal reimbursements.